Studying, School, etc.

[CityGal]

My classes finally started this week and I am noticing quite a bit about my studying/learning habits. First, I am def. more of a visual person. Talking to me about some random topic just doesn't seem to go over too well with me. I actually need to see it for myself to learn it. In any case, below are some concerns I have which I would like your opinions on.

When I study I mostly read, highlight what seems to be important, and move onto the next thing. The only problem with this is that I don't really feel like I've learned anything or that I fully grasped the material. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to fix this?

My other major concern is that I know I know the material--in regards to the material taught in class. The only problem is fishing it out when it is essential. For example, when I am having a random conversation with someone the meanings of big words won't come up right away for me. However when I am in some heated debate that I am interested in all the words and then some start flying out and I use them properly.

Oh... and the last tidbit. I seem to confuse things or I'll mix them up sometimes a lot. Because of this I am starting to think there is something wrong with me. :(

Any advice on how to remedy these things. Anyone out there like me.

[Tiff58]

I'm very much the same way in that when I read (and even highlight what I've read) it just doesn't seem to sink in. Same with listening to lectures. The best thing that I found was to actually write main points of what I was reading or hearing, even copying word for word what was in the text. Also, I even reverted back to the old flash card methodology that I used in grade school. It really worked for me, even in my last years of college.

[Bocheezu]

Depends what you're studying. I mean, engineers just do problems, we don't really read anything. You can't know how to do the problems without actually doing them, that's why there's homework. I don't know what the equivalent of "homework" is in your case.

[dengeist]

Join a study group. You may be a visual person, but talking things out helps a lot.

[capella]

Instead of just highlighting, make annotations in the margins as you read. If you can summarize the points then you will have more "ownership" of the text. You could also try cornell notes. A basic version is to have 1/3 of the page sectioned off on the left. This is where you'd write down key points from the text (what you're highlighting). The other 2/3 is where you write notes, thoughts, reactions, connections to the key points. This is also like a double-entry journal and it's a technique used for close reading.

There are lots of other strategies depending on the kind of text you're reading.

What are you studying?

[redav]

Well, as an engr, I certainly read quite a bit in addition to doing problems. ;)

Some things I would suggest--as Tiff mentioned, write down what you are reading, but put it in your own words in a way that makes sense to you. That will force you to process the info and make it your own. Also, list examples/applications/uses for each item. That way you have something to associate with each idea and it makes remembering things easier. I always try to minimize memorization; I'm much more comfortable working through ideas than regurgitating them.

Another thing you should do is after reading, don't move on. Just stop and think about it. What does it mean? Why is it important for you to know it? How does it relate to other things you are studying? What can you conclude from the information? Write down each of these ideas as well to reinforce them. The point is to expand or go beyond what was in the book. You will remember and care about your own ideas much more than someone else's.

Like in a study group, try to teach someone else the concepts. That will force you to understand it better yourself. They may ask questions that you haven't considered that puts it in a new light.

One last suggestion is to practice. Reread the material focusing on what comes next (without looking). Try to apply the ideas or look for examples in day-to-day life. This will give you opportunities to get visual/interactive lessons without being in class.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

[dengeist]

Study groups will also help you get over that social hump over there.

[CityGal]

Thank you all. I will def. try your suggestions.